Inspectors highlight improvements in English, maths and the quality of teaching in their exemplary report on a primary school.

Stephen Freeman School, Didcot, has overcome most of the major weaknesses pointed out in its last inspection in 1995, according to an Ofsted inspection team after visiting the school again last month.

They added that there was now a clear and effective management structure in the school, which was very well placed to continue improving and sustaining its achievements.

Under new headteacher Julie Leigh, who was singled out for praise, and along with curriculum co-ordin- ators and governors, inspectors described the leadership and management wof Stephen Freeman School as very good. The report drew attention to areas of excellence including results of National Curriculum tests and evidence of the inspection showing "a significant improvement of standards achieved by seven and 11-year-olds in English and mathematics".

The school also exceeded targets in literacy this year.

Behaviour was "consistently good throughout the school" which has 349 children on the roll and there was good and above average attendance. The average class size is 30.

Many children appreciated and enjoyed a very wide range of extra-curricular activities including sport and music.

A major strength of the school was the excellent relationships with parents and the community - the report commended the "quite outstanding" wealth of high quality information for parents. Among only three areas suggested for further improvement were in information technology, the curriculum for pupils who have not yet reached the statutory school age, and the quality of teaching for a minority of infants pupils.

Chairman of the governors Lyn Werrell said: "The report recognises the hard work, determination and success of staff and governors over recent years in striving to improve opportunities for pupils."

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